The start of the construction work for the Piece Hall transformation is just around the corner, and work continues behind the scenes to put in place the management of this exciting attraction for when it reopens in 2016.
The recent incorporation of the Piece Hall Trust is an important milestone for the project, as its expertise and knowledge are vital to the future success of the Piece Hall. The Council will transfer ownership to the Trust, which has been established as a building preservation trust. It now has a Chair and five Trustees, who are already working closely with the Council to deliver the project and to move forward from 2016 onwards.
The Trust has been established as a charitable organisation to manage and sustain the future of Piece Hall on completion of the £19m conservation and regeneration scheme, and it will operate independently from the Council. It formed in 2013, has been incorporated at Companies House and is being registered with the Charity Commission.
The Chair of the Piece Hall Trust is Wayne Bowser, and the other five Trustees are Councillor Tim Swift, Fred Taggart, Roger Harvey, Rupinder Ashworth and Clive Lloyd. They bring influence and expertise to the project, including experience in marketing and communications, financial and retail management and heritage-led regeneration. They also bring considerable charitable experience with senior roles on the boards of numerous charities. All six Trustees are also directors of the Piece Hall Trust limited company.
Wayne Bowser is one of the UK’s leading business finance and investment experts and recently retired as a Director at HSBC. He led a visionary project changing the way the firm delivered retail banking. Wayne also inspired new products and services, contributing significantly to the firm’s annual revenues. He continues to advise on strategic decisions and is on the boards of Leeds and Partners, Bradford Grammar School and cancer charity Marie Curie, amongst others. Trustees Roger Harvey and Clive Lloyd are from Calderdale, so they bring their considerable knowledge of the local area to the Piece Hall transformation.
Calderdale Council’s Leader, Cllr Tim Swift, said:
“The Piece Hall Trust becoming a limited company is a key step forward in the transformation project. In 2016 the Council will transfer ownership of the Piece Hall to the Trust, which is best placed to focus exclusively on the Grade I listed building’s future success, supported by its own dedicated team. The transformation project is a major part of our vision to regenerate Halifax town centre by investing in a range of leisure, retail and cultural facilities – and I’m confident that the Trust will help achieve this vision by successfully running the Piece Hall as a world-class attraction.”
Chair of the Piece Hall Trust, Wayne Bowser, said:
“The Trustees are enthusiastic and excited to be part of the future of the Piece Hall. We all bring a range of skills and expertise and I am confident that under our custody the Piece Hall will be a great success and an essential tourist destination for 2016 and beyond.”
The Piece Hall transformation project is funded by Calderdale Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
More information:
Find out more about the Piece Hall transformation project at www.thepiecehall.co.uk(external link)
Heritage Lottery Fund:
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 36,000 projects allocating £5.9bn across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk(external link)